eliefs is reminiscent of the time in which Beowulf is thought to have been written, the time when the Christian faith was just beginning to overcome paganism as the religion of the masses.
             Against Grendel's mother, the symbol of original sin, Beowulf becomes the Christian soldier. When Beowulf struggles against Grendel's mother, God grants him a precious gift: a sword that is described as "a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons" (41). The sword used to slay Grendel's mother is work of her ancestral giants, who were godly until they fell from grace. Therefore, the sword was god-forged and godly. Here the hero is using "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" to prevail (The Book of Ephesians 6.17, Bible). In his battle with the dragon (which may represent Satan) Beowulf is martyred, losing his life in the killing of the dragon. Beowulf is the Christ figure; the monsters are sin personified; and, moreover, the work Beowulf effectively becomes the sword of the Spirit and the word of God.
             The first major way in which Beowulf's likeness to Christ is revealed occurs after Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will fight Grendel; there is a celebration. During the celebration, Welthow, the queen poured "a portion from the jeweled cup For each" (31). When she got to Beowulf, she "thanked God for answering her prayers" (31). This event is strikingly similar to the Last Supper when Jesus passed around a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. Then, the crucifixion is portrayed when Beowulf fights Grendel's mother. During the struggle, other monsters come to watch and beat at "His mail shirt, stabbing with tusks and teeth As they followed along" (40). Similarly, when Jesus was crucified, crowds drew near laughing at him, hurling insults, and spitting on him. Also, Beowulf's soul is said to have "Left his flesh, flew to glory" (45). This is simil...